After performing these tasks for a few weeks I decided, as a computer programmer (with only a few skills) that I could improve the process with some software.  I was especially interested in automating the laborious task of setting up the scorecards with handicap dots.  I set about developing a Golf Event Management program to help with these tasks.

 

GEMS was created using the Microsoft Access database tool with which I had a little experience.  Databases are rather simple tools for maintaining and organizing well defined information.  Applications for databases very widely and can be very simple or very complex.  Organizing player information and event descriptions was pretty easy.  Maintaining up-to-date handicap information proved to be a challenge.  Printing names (with dots) on scorecards for different courses (our community has four courses) proved to be an even bigger challenge.

 

But, in a couple weeks I had a working copy of the first version of GEMS and, to the admiration of our Sunday Couples golfers, I now provided pre-printed scorecards with the appropriate handicap holes dotted (multiple dots on some holes for our more 'challenged' golfers).  

 

GEMS is now in Version 6.0 with many changes and improvements (I hope) along the line.  There are now about 25 users in my community and the list of users is growing.  Scorecards are now printed on blank paper (heavy duty stock suggested) and GEMS now has an automated approach for assigning players to foursomes.  If you have interest please see the contact information to the right.